The 13th annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE, held February 20–23, featured more than 250 of the industry’s leading winemakers, spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities who entertained and educated more than 64,000 foodies during this star-studded event. A collaboration between the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Southern Wine & Spirits, the Festival raised more than $2 million this year for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at Biscayne Bay Campus.

“This was a marquee year for the Festival, kicking off with the unveiling of the new Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Lab and Mel Dick Wine Tower at the school,” said Festival Founder and Director Lee Brian Schrager, who also serves as the vice president of corporate communications & national events for Southern Wine & Spirits of America. “The entire weekend was a celebration that resulted in both record ticket sales and more events taking place during the Festival than ever before.”

It takes 15 months to plan the Festival. Every detail is ironed out by a team of event planners who include more than 50 alumni and 12 FIU interns. In the weeks leading up to SOBEWFF, FIU News followed Panthers working in all aspects of the festival in part 1 of SOBEWFF 2014: All-Access Pass. In part 2 of SOBEWFF 2014: All-Access Pass, our team of reporters and videographers captured the festival behind the scenes, including the more than 1,200 student volunteers who help make this culinary extravaganza possible.

Hard work and long days pay off as the SOBEWFF team pulls off the largest wine and food festival in the country.